About Me

Monday, February 9, 2009

My current Renaissance gown is based on Florentine 1560s gowns, in particular those pained by Bronzino. After this heat is over I want to fix it up and possibly make another one with fabric overloading my attic.

Initially I'd like to make a coverciere (related to the English partlet) using the the gown worn by Eleanor of Toledoas my inspiration. This partlet is made of cords tied in a net-like fashion, then beaded.

My 4-panel sleeves are seen in the extant dress above, Eleanor and her Son. The Florentine sumptuary law of 1439 limited trim and embroidery to only be on the sleeves of an outfit. Sleeves were highly decorative, so I have used gold beads to join them at regular intervals and still allow the chemise to show through. I'll be adding trim used on the bodice to edge all the panels.